These are some of my regular frustrations with work.

• Working very hard to plan something in advance, getting it all down the the tiniest detail, then someone walking in and saying, "Oh yah, we're scrapping that".

• Working very hard to plan an event which you know you cannot attend, but everyone insisted it happens on that day. So you do it, and you do it very well. Every detail is taken care of, all they have to do on the day is have fun. But then without your presence apparently everyone forgets their very simple job and it becomes a huge mess. They do not take responsibility for it, they blame it all on you by saying, "Not my problem, I didn't plan it". Sigh.

• Having endless meetings about something, getting everyone in agreement about the actions your going to take in a large scale event. 2 months later someone walks in and says you did it all wrong and all the work you've already done has to be taken back, making you look like a complete tool.

• Being told something is a crisis, emergency, world is going to end situation - busting your ass to deal with it, only to find out it didn't really matter at all.

• Being on duty every time there is a holiday or birthday celebration resulting in me missing all the fun.

• Being told you're allowed to do things your way, then when you do them your way, being told you should do it their way, making you do double the work.

• People being incredibly ambiguous with information you really need in order to move forward on a project.

• Being told you can't get any programs or products to make your life SO much easier because you'll be moving into a new building in 2 years - 3 years ago - of which the building hasn't even broken ground yet - of which we'll not move into for at least 2 more years.

Sigh. Off to get passport pages added. I filled mine up in 5 years!

My oh my I haven't been able to sleep much since I've been back. I'm having some kind of combined jet lag / Rory withdrawal syndrome. I am having real issues sleeping alone! Darn you conservative society.

Meep.

I did manage to fall asleep long enough last night (actually 4:30 this morning) to have a dream before the workers woke me up with their banging.

In my dream Rory proposed to me, but I was really confused because the ring was this huge pale purple amethyst surrounded by at least 3 dozen tiny diamonds. I mean it was HUGE. He did it at some kind of family function. It was noisy, and the floor was sticky, and there were so many people. I remember thinking, "OMG this ring is way too big and this is so not how I wanted it to happen". (Although I was entirely happy about him asking). Then I woke up feeling really guilty for having thought that in my dream, because honestly I'd be happy with anything.

I think I had the dream because he's been teasing me about how I don't know when, where or how it will happen. My requests were: not in front of family, not on a major holiday or event (ie birthdays etc), and that I would love a dark blue sapphire on a silver ring.

I can't wait until I get to share the real story of how it goes down!

Back in Do-hell. This trip was hard to come back from. I think it was the freedom to hold Rory's hand in public, share a kiss if we felt like it, have a beer with dinner if we wanted to, and the blissful driving. I know some of you complain about it, but living here would drastically change your view. Also, finding shoes in MY size was nice.

I have a new nephew, Fox. My brother has already begun telling him that he must learn quickly if he's going to best his Auntie Mika in video games. Cute.



I got to meet some of Rory's closest friends and of course his family, except his dad. No one could say my name right twice :) It was a real whirlwind but we'll be back in February for much longer. Then I'll have a go at driving on the other side of the road. Once I do that I think I will have conquered global driving.

Rory asked my dad for his blessing/permission to marry me, while not necessary, was very sweet. Of course he said yes, although he seemed to be shocked and said something about how he never thought I'd get married because of all my traveling and that I'd never 'settle down'. Thanks dad ;)

I have to get back to work, loads to catch up on. Stay safe peeps, miss you already!

We're heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeee!

See you tonight peeps!

On the eve of each New Year we often reflect on our lives. As I do this dear e-strippers, I wish you joy that never ends and happiness with all your family and friends.

Where were you when 2008 began?
At PMT's

Who were you with?
everyone

Where will you be when 2008 ends?
At PMT's

Whom will you be with when 2008 ends?
everyone!

Was 2008 a good year for you?
Really, very good! I met the love of my life.

What was your favorite moment of the year?
Exploring one of the Tomb Raider temples in Cambodia!

What was your least favorite moment of the year?
The night before I met Rory, I was really down on myself.

Did you reach your New Year 2008 goals?

• Visit family and friends around Europe - did it
• Paint my apartment - did it
• Get much better at guitar - oops
• Go camping in the desert - did it
• Go duning - did it
• Get SCUBA open water certified - did it
• Travel to Singapore, Cambodia, and China - one out of the three ain't bad

Did you fall in love in 2008?
Absolutely! Madly and deeply.

Did you breakup with anyone in 2008?
No.

Did you make any new friends in 2008?
Yes.

What was your favorite month of 2008?
April, Rory :)

Did you travel outside of the US in 2008?
Qatar, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, France, Vietnam, Cambodia, Seychelles, Ireland, and Northern Ireland.

How many different states did you travel to in 2008?
D.C., Florida

Did you lose anybody close to you in 2008?
No.

What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2008?
Dark Knight

What was your favorite song in 2008?
Inni mer syngur vitleysingur by Sigur Ros

What was your favorite album in 2008?
Made of Bricks by Kate Nash

What was your proudest moment of 2008?
The day one of my staffers made the connection between her work and the real world. I felt very fulfilled in my work knowing at last my teaching is helping others blossom.

What was your most embarrassing moment of 2008?
Breakfast the next morning with the roommates.

If you could go back in time to any moment of 2008 and change something, what would it be?
I would have cleaned up better.

What are your goals for 2009?

• Meet Rory's family and friends
• Finish my sailing course with minimal bruising
• Travel to Jordan, Singapore, Antarctica
• Present at the NASPA conference
• Increase my fitness level considerably
• Be the best supervisor I can be
• Marry the love of my life